Report: Truck drivers in short supply nationwide and in York County

But there is plenty of work for those willing to live the life of a long-haul trucker. A trade group that represents the largest carriers said they need up to 25,000 drivers.

The American Trucking Association said in November that the need for drivers is "acute" and that "long-term trends could cause the shortage to explode in the next decade." The association sees 100,000 jobs opening each year for the next decade because of retirement and turnover.

Brian Shanabrough of Windsor was a trucker for 29 years and knew from an early age that he wanted to drive a truck.

"It was almost family tradition. I had two uncles who drove and it was in my blood," he said. "I traveled all 48 states."

Shanabrough believes trucking "isn't for everyone," and admits there are several downfalls to being on the road all the time. "I missed a lot of my daughter growing up, so, when I did get home, I tried to make the most out of every moment."

Finding people who are willing to embrace the solitude and separation from family that comes with driving a truck across the country for a living isn't easy.

Long-haul truckers spend weeks on the road. They sleep in their cabs or strange beds, shower in truck stops, and miss holidays and birthdays.

"He was gone usually at least 10 days at a time," said Jacobus resident Jacklyn Gammage. She is referring to her father Rick, who has driven a truck for more than 26 years.

He would only be home for a few days a month, causing the family "to plan things such as birthdays and other special events around my dad's crazy work schedule," Gammage said. "When he was home we appreciated every bit of time we got to spend together."

Rick Gammage said it was not easy being away.

"As a long haul driver, being away is difficult. Most companies out there won't get you home when you want," he said. "They get you home when it's convenient for the company."

Despite some disadvantages of seeing her dad only a few times a month, Jacklyn Gammage would recommend getting a job in the industry.

"It's a job that many people don't take seriously and are not respectful of," she said. "If there weren't truckers, then (people) wouldn't be able to go to their local grocery store and buy the products that they have there."

She does note there are advantages to having a dad who drives a truck for a living.

"I swear it's like he has a mental map in his head of all different route numbers and odd shortcuts. If I am driving out of state somewhere ... all I have to do is give him a call and he always has a solution and can pinpoint exactly where I am and how to get where I need to be."

--McClatchy Newspapers contributed to this report

DID YOU KNOW?
Trucker pay averaged $19.83 per hour in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.